(M)Age of the Dragon Lords: CH1: The Door of Night

[SikstaSlathalin]

Rated M for possible mature content including sex, violence, language, graphic situations, and drug use.

CH1: The Door of Night




Across the seas
To the land of Endor
The Darkspawn come from below
Like the hand of death they flow.
Like a wave they burst through the Door of Night

In a land free of Darkspawn the Grey Wardens of Fereldon are occupying their time with rebuilding their numbers and turning the Arling of Amaranthine into the most successful area of Fereldon. Many view the lack of Darkspawn as a direct miracle of the Maker, for years the land knew peace at least on a large scale for the first time in it's entire history. Sadly though what is one man's blessing is another man's curse. Far over the crashing waves of the sea lays a land so similar yet at the same time so different from Fereldon.

The land of Endor, home of Elves, Dwarves, Men, and Hobbits. War is not unknown in this land but a new threat has clawed it's way to the enchanting surface of this new land, twisted and vile creatures so alien none of the Free Races can find even a marginal note of them in their oldest historical documents or languages. The only word they can think of to describe them is "The Wrong", they attack with ferocity rivaling the most vicious of the Mordoran Hordes and five times the numbers. Now if only "The Wrong" were as straight forward with their killing as the Horde, sure they killed plenty, but on top of that they drag any of the living they can away into the caves and holes they spewed from. That isn't the worst of it though, even if a brave warrior had manages to kill the creatures a drop of it's black blood penetrating their body was as good as their blades through your heart. For months the Free People fought valiantly against the monsters, but the battle was an eternal uphill fight, every step forward was followed by two steps back. The dead littered the once lush plains and ancient forests, filling the air with the stench of death and disease.

Within the first week, this new war had surpassed the War of the Ring in size and death toll and as the days dragged on it only got worse. They needed help and it was this desperation that drove the some of the last of the Elves left in Endor to undertake a hard and potentially hopeless quest to seek help from the farthest reaches of creation. Their hope was just about spent when they landed on the shore of a land civilized by what could be their brothers and fellow Endorans. They had found Fereldon, and hopefully the help they had been so frantically searching for, but it did not come easy. Elves in this land were either treated like ignorant and dangerous beasts or sniveling whelps who were expected to bow and scrape to the every whim of Man. They met apathy and disrespect at every turn, it seems their homeland was fated to drown in the blood of it's children. Once more their hope was nearly spent when a kindly farmer pointed them Northeast to a place called Vigil's Keep in the lands of Amaranthine and the home of Fereldon's resident experts on "The Wrong" or Darkspawn as the Elves had learned was the true name of this plague. Following the man's directions the visiting Elves made their way to this promised land, it was here they met the noble order of the Grey Wardens and sat down with their admirable leader, Warden-Commander Raziel Cousland. It was in this fortress the Visitors were given the first semblance of respect in this cold land that stinks of wet dog.

The Wardens opened their libraries to the Elves and let them study everything they had compiled on the Darkspawn and the past five Blights. At first Raziel was just planning on giving them info then sending them on their way, but as the leader of the elves, Laurenas explained the creatures seemed to be led by a massive Dragon of Ever Shifting Color that often flew above them in battle blasting purple fire down upon the ranks of the defenders. This shed all new light onto the Elves' plea, they were experiencing a Blight, and unless the Wardens helped them they would be wiped from existence. With no further explanation needed the Warden-Commander called upon his most experienced Wardens and sent them to aide the land of Endor in their first and with any divine mercy only Blight.

Nuances and info

Ok folks, this is where you all come in. You can play as an experienced Warden from Fereldon, a Non Warden follower, or a Defender of Endor. Each side has Elves, Dwarves, and Men to choose from as a playable race, but you also have the option to play as a Qunari( Tal-Vashoth most likely) on the Fereldon side and as a Hobbit on the side of Endor. Now each side will have some nuances for creation those will be listed below.

Fereldon: Wardens and followers can be from any walk of life within the limits of the Dragon Age universe and be of any Class (Warrior, Rogue, or Mage). But they must either be an experienced Gray Warden and not just an older one or a skilled follower with a reasonable origin and reason to join the Warden in fight a Blight they have no stake in. Wardens must be in their 30s or 40s and remember older Gray Wardens are nearing the ends of their lives, followers can be anywhere from 18 to 50. The Taint Wardens gain by drinking the blood of Darkspawn limits their lives to 30 or so more years after joining so if you joined at age 20 you have until about 50 to die in battle or you go mad and die rather violently in your sleep. You are only allowed one specialization, any rune enhanced gear must be sensible, you are limited to only 2 rune over all your gear, and this side is the only one with the Mage Class.

Endor: Much like the Wardens you can be of any walk of life within the limits of the LOTR Universe, but you can only be a Rogue or Warrior Class with a single specialization if you so wish, these are only for those playing Defenders of Endor. Also in Endor, Elves are much more scarce, only one-hundred are left and most of them are common soldiers. Ages for this lot is more up to common sense and your gear must be sensibly enchanted with only 2 runes as well but remember with the smaller number of Elves the art will be scarce. I will allow some people to play the Elves coming to Fereldon for help, but the limit is four and it's first come first serve. Those few aside those that choose to play an Endoran, will be posting in Endor fighting the Darkspawn at least for the first few posts.

Races

Ferelden

1) Human
2) Elf
3) Dwarf
4) Qunari

Endor

1) Human
2) Elf
3) Dwarf
4) Hobbit

Classes

Ferelden

1) Warrior
2) Rogue
3) Mage

Endor

1) Warrior
2) Rogue


The RP will start at the least on the very day the Wardens and Followers leave Fereldon then there will be an early time skip taking everyone to Endor where we will go back to a normal RP type of run along. This whole RP will be taking place after the events of Dragon Age: Inquisition.

Fereldon has been Darkspawn free for four years at the start of the RP and Endor has been fighting Darkspawn for four years.

Enemies

Hurlock - Human
Shriek - Elf
Genlock - Dwarf
Ogre - Qunari
Orlock- Orc
Golock- Goblin
Trog - Olog-Hai
Halit - Hobbit
Holock - Half-orc
Rukai - Urak-Hai


Accepted/reserved chars

Wardens of Fereldon

Constable of the Grey Cousland by Siks (warrior)

Griffin "Grif" Ataash by Dnafein (rogue)

Senior Warden Lavina by Honey (mage)


Followers of the Wardens

Barqspawn NPC by Dnafein

Arawn by Dnafein(warrior)


Defenders of Endor

Banai Auhl by bluemoon (rogue)

Enora Daglari by Honey (warrior)

Jagmar One-Eye by Siks (rogue)

Damina Buck of Wilderland NPC by Siks (warrior)



Character sheet

Name:
Race:
Age:

Gender(M or F):
P.o.B:
Side:

Class:
Specialization:

Skills(limit of 4):
Spells(Mage only, limit of 3):

Appearance(pic or description):
Weapons(limit of 2, pic or description):
Armor(limit of 1, pic or description):

Equipment(pic or description):
Runes: Limit of 2 all and all.

Personality:

Background:
Other:

Important Links

Dragon Age Wiki

Lord of the Rings Wiki


Rules

1. All RPA and Mature Section rules apply.
2. We made this a mature RP for the reason of creative freedom, anything goes for the most part as long as none of the rules are broken
3. I and Dnafein are the GMs, and as such we have the last say in issues.
4. Any issues between players deal with in PMs.
5. If the problem persists, send us both sides and we'll see if we can help.
6. If we help and it continues ask a mod or get out.
7. Be active and post at least a paragraph a post once a week.
8. Ignorance of the rules won't save you if you break them.
9. Be smart, have fun, and no modding or powerplaying.
10. Any new RP ideas are welcome just run them by us and we'll see about working them out.
11. Inactivity will be punished by the death of your char.
12. The GMs are the only judges of inactivity, when the RP is going well it's a week unless you send us word of your inactivity then we'll pull you along but after two weeks your character will be on the chopping block unless you have a good reason for not being around. And after three weeks they die no matter what.
13. Stick within the realm of possibilities for these two worlds' races and lore.
14. Everyone is allowed only 2 main chars.
15. You can reserve a spot, it will only be held for a week though.
16. The only playable races are Men, Dwarves, Elves (both sides), Qunari (Fereldon only) and Hobbits (Endor only).
17. Runes that are ambiguous should have your definition run by a GM for approval.
18. Wardens must have at least 10+ years of experience being Wardens and fighting Darkspawn before they will be accepted.
19. Followers must also be experienced fighters and Mages, Darkspawn experience isn't a requirement though.
20. Followers need a very good reason to join the Wardens in fighting the Endoran Blight, and depending on interest in playing one there will be a limited number of them.
21. If you've read down this far, put a good, two-paragraph in-character scene in the Other Section of the sheet displaying your character's skills.

We the GMs reserve the right to add, change, or remove anything in this RP at any time, nuances, rules, and characters included.

[Chat Noir]

You know all the stuff, Siks! Good luck with your RP!

Looks like you've got an awesome roleplay started! If you would like to advertise for more members, here are some ways to do so!

First off, there's the Roleplay of the Week. This is displayed on the website's home page as well as on the side bar of the forum. If you think it might help then we implore you to do so! We are always looking for new RP's to advertise. (No, really. We are. Always.) If you would like a little bit more information, or even an example, you can view that here.

One of the requirements for a RP of the Week submission is that you have a banner. If you're not artistically inclined, however, do not fear! We have several amazing artists on the site who will make one for you. Simply post here.

Next, you can post in this thread and the staff will display your role-play in their signatures.

Also feel free to post in the Roleplay Directory. This is a thread that anyone can view at any time to see roleplays that are currently seeking and accepting members.

[Dnafein]

You should join us Chat.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Roger that Chat.

Spoiler: Constable of the Grey Cousland 

Name: Zadkiel Cousland
Race: Human
Age: 35

Gender(M or F): Male
P.o.B: Vigil's Keep, Amaranthine, Fereldon
Side: Warden-Constable of the Grey Wardens

Class: Warrior
Specialization: Champion

Skills(limit of 4)

Champion: A leader on and off the battlefield, Zad leads from the front and has a keen mind for tactics and keeping his comrades ready for battle.

Swordsmen: His preferred skill, Zadkiel is one of the best sword fighters in the present Grey Warden's ranks. Able to duel-wield as well as he fights with a sword and shield.

Boxer: When without weapons Zad is a proficient fist fighter although he lacks real finesse.

Shield Wall: His specialization gives him great skill with shield combat able to defend and skillfully fight with it.

Spells(Mage only, limit of 3): N/A

Appearance(pic or description):

Spoiler: Zadkiel 

Zadkiel is a man of average height but stout build, his eyes are a deep brown and they always seem to glow with a powerful will.

Weapons(limit of 2, pic or description): The two swords in the pic and a shield
Armor(limit of 1, pic or description): The armor in the pic it's made of a high-grade Red Steel.

Equipment(pic or description): Zad carries the usual fire making tools, five Health Potions, and weapons maintenance kits.

Runes: His primary sword in his left hand has an Expert level Silverite rune and his shield has a Journeyman Barrier Rune.

Personality: Zadkiel is a very determined and collected man, he has an almost unbending sense of honor towards everyone and everything. Even his enemies are subject to it, though usually only goes as far as giving them a quick death.

Spoiler: Background: 

A direct descendant of the first Warden-Commander of Vigil's Keep, Zadkiel cut his teeth on stories of his fantastical ancestor. How he and his fellow Grey Warden the late King Alistair survived the betrayal of Teyrn Loghain, assembled an army of epic proportions, and ended the Fifth Blight. That was not the end of it though, next his ancestor restored Vigil's Keep to it's former glory and beat back another Darkspawn incursion this one led by two separate entities warring for power.

Needless to say any and every Cousland after that man had much to live up to. Zadkiel and his father Raziel were no different, every day was training, education, and slowly perfecting their skills. But they can only do so much with Darkspawn being so scarce on the surface and the Deep Roads being too far away and too dangerous for an Arl to risk his life or the life of his only son in seeking out glory. While the older Warden was content to slowly wait for his Long Walk through the Deep Roads looking for a glorious death. This was unacceptable for the young Warrior, he couldn't stand just sitting around fighting shadows waiting for the Darkspawn to find another Archdemon which might not even happen in his lifetime. He desired nothing more than to lift the shield his ancestor used and cut a huge swath through the horde and emblazon his name across the stars.

So just before he was to undergo the Joining at age eighteen he talked some of his fellow young soldiers into joining him in an adventure into an opening the Deep Roads he found one day while out training. Six of the young men went down into this pit and instantly found themselves in over their heads. Three of the boys were killed by a shower of Darkspawn arrows, the other three scattered into whatever little hole they could find. When the arrows stopped falling the Darkspawn sought them out and so began Zadkiel's first fight with the twisted monsters. He and his two remaining comrades managed to fight their way out of the Darkspawn ranks and ran for it, it was a direct affront to Zadkiel's personal honor and it would haunt him right up the day both his friends died from the Darkspawn's poisonous blood. Despite his best efforts to convince himself otherwise he knew all six of his friends' deaths were his fault. He had faced the punishment for taking them out as untrained as they all were but it was the actual looking in the face of the other young men that made the fact sink in. After that day he threw himself fully into the ways of honor and being the epitome of a leader. He even underwent the rigorous education needed to gain the Champion Specialization, he rebuilt his honor and will never let it go again. His honor is exactly what made him be the first volunteer to help the Elves of Endor out. Besides the Darkspawn vanished over two years ago and he was getting rusty, but had been training himself far away in the mountains so it wasn't a totally wasted time.

Spoiler: Other: 

The dawn broke over the mighty walls of Vigil's Keep. Home to the Ferelden Wardens, warriors extraordinaire and saviors of the Arl of Amaranthine. Guards both mundane and Warden initiates patrolled the ramparts. Darkspawn might be scarce, but bandits and pretentious Princes will never go extinct in Fereldon and the Keep was a shining jewel among the clouds and a magnet for fools looking to find glory.

Luckily most who come to Vigil's Keep aren't looking for trouble, just potential work as a guard or a maybe even a Warden. And right now one such recruit is in the training yard standing across the ring from the Constable of the Grey himself Zadkiel Cousland. The Recruit was solidly built youth with a square fresh face and short dark brown hair. His name was Issac and he was dressed in just a pair of boots and pants as he stretched with a heavy training hammer eyeing the Warden-Constable up. Zad was seated upon a hay bale a dull training sword hanging loosely from his fingers dressed in the same manner. A small smirk was on his face as he watched the young man pump himself up. It wasn't too long ago Zad was just like him, eager for a fight, willing to endure all kinds of pain just to prove himself the best.

Reality always has a way of putting the arrogant down though. One of the many hard lessons a man must learn before he can call himself done. Issac finished up his stretches and shouldered the heavy hammer walking to the middle of the ring bouncing lightly on his feet. Standing up Zadkiel spun the sword around his hand and joined Issac in the ring. The Senior Warden Xander would be reffing the match and determining the young man's worth to the Wardens.

The men squared off and with a nod Xander laid out the rules.
"Gentlemen, this is a match of points. You will be using safer training weapons, but they can still injure. First blood and the match is ended no winner, you need three points to win. One point for a strike to the legs or torso, two points for the head and three for disarming or simulating a kill shot. Understood?"

The two men nodded, then Xander continued.
"Alright go to your corners and come out swinging. Best of luck gentlemen." He waved the two men away then took his place out of the designated combat area and let out a shrill whistle. Issac let out a bellow and charged full into Zadkiel many of the older Wardens were seated on bench sipping ale and chuckling at the boy. He's already lost he just didn't know it yet. Zad smiled and engaged the youth. He easily ducked under the man's heavy overhead swing and landed the first hit his blade slapping Issac's shin making him stumble forward some.

"Point Zadkiel!" Shouted Xander.

Issac groaned lightly hopping on his good leg quickly locking onto Zad again. He expected an immediate follow-up strike, but the Warden was simply standing in a relaxed pose his sword's tip resting in the dirt.
"Don't rush headfirst into conflict young man, the Hurlocks are slightly stronger than an average man and bull rushing is their specialty."

Issac nodded he didn't expect to be getting free lessons from the Warden-Constable. But he wasn't some farmer who had picked up his first weapon a week ago. He has been a guard in Denerim for three years. He took the man's advice and changed up his strategy. He still charged, but feinted his next downward strike quickly changing it into a forward thrust of the hammer's head. This surprised Zad, but not enough to cost him a point, he dropped to the ground and rolled aside he clipped Issac's leg again before moving out of range.

"Point Zadkiel!" Xander announced again.

Issac growled feeling anger build up inside of him. He didn't give Zad a chance to recover he charged and unleashed a barrage of attacks. Zadkiel blocked each attack the smile slowly leaving his face as he danced around the ring. He watched Xander's face slacken in disappointment some at the young man, but Zad saw potential. Still this had to end, he skipped out of range again only this time he attack. Charge and nimbly ducking under Issac's guard he smashed the man in his stomach with the pommel of his sword then quickly aimed the the point under Issac's chin lifting his head and nodding.

"Killshot Zadkiel wins!" Xander shouted the other Wardens clapped for Zadkiel who lowered his blade and patted Issac on his shoulder. "You are strong Issac, but your temper will be your downfall if you cannot control it. Senior Warden Xander will work with you more, before we can let you do the Joining understood?"

Issac nodded bowing a little to Zadkiel.
"Yes Warden-Constable thank you."

Zad smiled and tossed the training blade to the Senior Warden before exiting the ring and gathering his clothing and normal weapons.

[bluemoon]

Spoiler: Banai Auhl 

Name: Banai Auhl (pronounced: Ba-nie All)
Race: Dwarf
Age: 37

Gender: Female
P.O.B: The Blue Mountains
Side: Defender of Endor

Class: Rogue
Specialization: Thief

Skills

Sleight of hand: Banai has superior manual dexterity that allows her to perform quick and clever movements with her hands (i.e. deception).

Trap making: When all else fails, one can always lure victims of thievery into traps, which is exactly what Banai likes to do when a large haul can be made.

Swordsmanship: Although armed with both spear and sword, it is the sword which defines Banai. Despite her small stature, she is quick on her feet and able to stand her own against most opponents.

Spells: N/A

Appearance(pic or description): Banai is tall for her race, standing at a proud 4'6". Her chocolate brown hair is braided in rows along her scalp and hangs heavy on her broad shoulders. Soulful honey-brown eyes accent her oval face.

Spoiler: Banai 

Weapons: Broad sword (plain design, all silver) and long spear (as pictured)

Armor: Banai travels light and typically only carries a shield as armor.

Spoiler: shield 

Equipment: Banai's equipment is carried on her large black shaggy pony, Mynx. In saddle bags on either side of his back are several gold coins, flint, a sharpening stone, a few small polished gems, a water pouch, long braids of thin leather, jerky, and a small shovel.

Runes: One with Nature: the rune is etched on her shield, giving her immunity to poison.

Personality: Like most of her race, Banai is typically a serious sort, but she does have a lighter side brought out by good company or a heavy mead. She is also stubborn, strong-willed, and of course, greedy. But on the plus side, she has an even temper, rarely losing herself to anger.

Background:

Spoiler: History 

Banai was of the Broadbeam Clan, born in the Blue Mountains, and like most female dwarves, she was kept hidden away underground within the cavern halls--at least in her early years. Unlike most, she did not have a beard--the only additional facial hair a set of short sideburns which blended in well with the thick brown hair on her head. She stood taller than many of her clan and her height gave rise to greater dexterity and speed, giving her an advantage in both weapon training and hand-to-hand combat. She was equally matched to the males, and far superior to the females, of which there were few.

Banai's main training was as miner, like both of her parents, but she developed an irresistible urge to have the precious metals and stones in her possession right from the start. She would secret them away and hide them among her possessions, only returning them when so bade by her family. The problem only grew worse, but her skills in procuring and hiding them became legendary. As time went on, she became a nuisance and disciplinary matters were addressed.

Forbidden to mine, Banai began shadowing her father, Nai, on his forays into the outside world to trade goods. She was forced to wear a heavy cloak to hide her identity as a female, but she enjoyed the sights and sounds of the busy streets. It was like a whole new world had opened up for her and her skills as a thief began to blossom once again. For many years she kept to her father's side and played this new role--only to have her life redefined again when her father died in his sleep. Already considered long-in-the-tooth when she had been born, Nai passed away on the road at the ripe old age of 236 years.

Banai decided not to return to the mountains and kept her father's spirit alive by continuing his journey through Middle Earth. In a sense, she was reborn. She threw back the hood of her cloak and proclaimed herself free, no longer hiding her status as a female dwarf. She enjoyed the extra attention she received--so rare was it to see a female dwarf that often times she was gaped upon by many races. Once her father's wares were gone, she began using her skills of deception to earn her keep, learning to make traps to capture both food and unwary travelers. It was an easy life for the most part. She found Hobbits to be rather charming, their tables always loaded with food and meals served often enough that one could always anticipate a full stomach at any time of the day. Elves were a lofty bunch and she avoided them on the rare occasions that she encountered them. As for the race of men, she had mixed feelings, mostly finding them amusing or dull. And the dwarves...they looked upon her most strangely...a female on her own was not an agreeable thing. She had never chosen a mate and her way of life now would never fit in with any clan's ideals. Destined to be alone, she enjoyed her own company and that of those she surrounded herself with within the realms of Endor.

Other:

Spoiler: Back Story 

Banai Auhl pulled her dark fur cloak tighter around her broad shoulders, the length covering her small frame easily and the garment's hood leaving her face in shadow. It was a cold blustery night, the wind blowing fiercely through the trees limbs, sweeping the colorful leaves of autumn onto the dirt path. She walked with purpose, her strides long, a slight smile on her full lips as the candle light from inside the tavern ahead flickered, outlining a figure in the doorway and allowing a gust to venture into its smokey depths.

Banai set her eyes to the dusty trail, further obscuring her face, and increased her speed. The figure stepped onto the pathway, a slight swagger in his step giving away his drunken state. Neither seemed to notice the other and their collision came suddenly, Banai squaring off her shoulders for the impact and the man taking the brunt of the hit to his side. When he fell, Banai allowed herself to be taken with him, her smaller frame landing squarely on his armored chest. She set to work, her nimble hands loosening clasps and untying knots in a frenzy of movement too fast and random for the man to notice anything other than the fumbling. Both uttered apologies, trying to disentangle themselves from the other, but for the young dwarf, it was a planned event, her mark none the wiser. Finally finding his feet, the man thrust a hand in her direction to assist her. She rose, grabbing at his chest plate for balance...and their eyes locked briefly..until his armor's and sword's bindings snapped, the items breaking free from his body and hitting the ground.

“Sorry..” she mumbled, bending to help him retrieve his gear...and just as he stooped, she swept an arm behind him and snatched the item she had claimed as hers earlier that day at the tournament. A shield..one of beauty to her honey-flecked eyes..the gold trim adorning it a beacon to her dwarven greed. Quickly, she slipped it beneath her furs and once again the pair faced off, nodding, before continuing on their way, both seeming to be weighed down by an awkward moment shared.

When morning came, Banai packed her bags and worked the crowd for a few hours, doing tricks with her coins and shuffling cups hiding small stones. It was an easy way to earn a few bits, enough to cover her meals and an occasional drink. The tournaments were heavily attended, and sometimes she entered the sparring events, but mostly she played the attendees, searching for items of interest. Last night had been very lucrative, and as she finally put her things away, she noticed she had unwelcome company. Before her stood the mark from last night, one of the man race, and his now sober face showed malice. Innocently she looked up at him, her face betraying nothing as three other men approached.

“Search her...” he commanded and they moved on her. Banai did not resist. She allowed them to pat her down thoroughly, their rough hands searching in places she could not possibly have hidden the shield. She had never been handled thus, but she remained calm, her eyes set ahead on nothing. When there were no longer any places left that they hadn't explored, one of the men shook his head.

“Your camp?” he demanded next, and she led him there willingly, watching silently as they turned her saddle bags upside down and emptied their contents. With a look of smugness, one man slipped her gold coins and gems into his pocket, then moved on to search the area. But Banai never kept anything she had lifted with her...it was too dangerous...and the item in question had been buried deep inside the tree line. So, for her, it was no surprise when nothing was discovered. ...and she thought that would be the end of it, but she was wrong.

Her departure from the games occurred shortly after, her belongings once again tucked away and stored on her pony. She hadn't gone far along the road before she noticed she had company again—the same gang of men folk. She signed inwardly but accepted them without comment when they rode up alongside her. There was little conversation between them for seven days, although she shared her camp, her fire, and her food willingly enough. She was not one to be intimidated easily...and she had nothing to hide. On the seventh night, she rose from her furs and went to sit beside the guard on a large boulder facing east. The night was cold and she wrapped herself tighter in her cloak. He had some things she wanted and tonight she was taking them back.

“Cold night,” she said simply, letting the words hang in the silence,her focus directed forward.

“Hmm...” was all he responded, but he moved closer to her until his thigh was touching hers, his hand going to her knee and pushing aside the warm fur. His hand moved higher, gripping the flesh greedily. Although she could not boast long legs, they were well-muscled and shapely for one of her kind.

“You have something I want,” she said, her voice silky smooth, but once again without inflection.

“..and what would that be?” he asked, his hand slipping higher...and Banai opened her hand and showed him the gold coins and gems he had secreted away in his pocket days before. She made a tight fist around them as his hand moved to close over hers. Applying pressure he tried to get her to yield to the pain, but she only smiled. When he peeled her fingers away from her palm, there was nothing there. His eyes shot to hers and there was a look of victory there, her mouth turning up in a smile.

“Pleasure...” she said as she slipped off the rock and made her way to her pony. It was the last time she saw the men and it would be a full rotation of seasons before she retrieved her buried treasure. She had enjoyed the encounter more than she dared admit—men were an unusual race and she found their company to be quite amusing.

[Honey]

Fan-girled so hard my brain turned to mush.

Spoiler: DA-Senior Warden 

Name: Lavinia
Race: Human
Age: 32

Gender: Female
P.o.B: Korcari Wilds, Ferelden / Witch of the Wilds
Side: Warden-Lieutenant (2nd in command, if you'll have her.)

Class: Mage
Specialization: Shapeshifter

Skills:
Survival
Growing up wild Lavinia developed the ability to track other beings and detect the presence of nearby threats.
Herbalism
Levinia can make a variety of potions, poultices, salves, balms, elixirs, and so forth, whenever raw ingredients and a recipe are at hand. As well as both mead and wildwine, though she occasionally likes to experiment with formulas, so take with caution...

Spells:
Bear Shape
While transforming into a bear grants Lavinia a large physical bonus, it also nullifies her spells and restricts her access to potions, weapons, armor and any other items equipped. She reserves this option for close combat or when she tires of the other Wardens' drama.
Flaming Weapon
Enchants the party's melee weapons with flame, though she's no fool and will withhold the skill if she thinks you're more liable to set yourself alight.
Inferno
The caster summons a huge column of swirling flame. All targets in the area take constant fire damage as they burn. Friendly fire probable possible, so don't piss her off.

Appearance: With eerie golden eyes and long brown hair, she is tall and hearty, rivaling the build of most men.

Weapons: Amber and White Ash Staff
Armor: The shown Patchwork leather and metals, so as to move with speed.

Equipment: A leather water flask, 3 Lyrium potions, heavy dark cloak, a spigot and a small herbalist's kit, circular crescent in shape and magically sealed, marked with Chasind scrawl - stocked mostly to tend minor wounds and the inevitable burns.
Runes: Rune of Defense, left hip of armor.

Personality: With youth spent in the wilds, then battle and death for the rest, most would call her primal, hardened and begrudging to grant respect or trust. This would not be inaccurate, she suffers no fool and is as unpredictable as the flames she wields. Exuding power and confidence in all she does, Lavinia is surprisingly soft spoken when not on the battlefield, (though you'd still be wise to listen) and once gaining favor, there is a softer, warmer side to her, easily stirred to a blaze if one is not careful.

Background: Witch of the Wilds. She'd heard it all her life. A soft whispered accusation, always behind her. None dare accuse her to her face, for what if it be true and they bring the wrath of Flemmeth and all her daughters? Lavinia couldn't answer that for you. True she was a witch, and she had been born to the wilds, but she had no knowledge of any more than that. Her earliest memories are of whispers and shadows, cold and hunger. So she learned to beat them all. Mastering the art of flame, embodying that of the great bear, claiming the wilds as hers, taking what she wanted. What she needed.

When they came for her it was in darkness, and together. Chasian to the left, templars to the right. It seemed only death or the circle would be her fate. Lavinia would take death and she would not take it quietly. The battle was fierce but short lived, for a young Grey Warden traveled with the templars. Seeing promise in the lost child, he halted the blood shed, offering her a choice, a purpose, a home...

While the joining itself is no easy feet it, it was a cake walk compared to Lavinia's next few years. To go from an entirely individual and solitary person, to the hierarchy and structure of the Warden Order was quite the culture shock. Suddenly someone wanted to know where she was, what she was doing, why she was doing it. All the time. And then they were telling her, where to go, what to do, who to do it with. All the time. This didn't sit well with Lavinia and it was mostly her own annoyance at being bossed around that drove her to rise in the ranks. But along the way they wore her down, she began developing real relationships with her fellow Grey Wardens, for the first time caring about more than just surviving.

Her own struggle with adjusting to the life and teamwork is probably why, with the new lack of darkspawn, Lavinia has spent the last while running team training exercises and assessments.
Other:

Spoiler: Other 

The hearty, bleeding brunette shrugged out of the armor, handing it over to the blushing smith apprentice with narrowed eyes. Not for the drift of his own eyes but rather the way his hands fumbled when he took it. A delicate elvish woman rushed to her side, handing her a replacement garment, much to her distaste, the simple (and confining) robes of a common mage. Then took to her wounded arm, healing light emanating from her palms as she worked to fix the damage from the wayward recruit currently laying unconscious on the cot across from Lavinia.

"You should have used something on this. I know you have the skills and no it wouldn't have taken to long. You taught me half of what I know 'bout field dressing." The elvish healer reprimanded, turning to the herbs on the table. The mage didn't bother responding, Crealie had never needed any input to carry on a conversation, it was perhaps her endless rambling that endeared her so to the battle hardened woman. The elf shooed away the smith boy, but not without a small lecture about seeing his master repair the Senior Grey Warden's gear before her next mission. As he scurried from the room, armor clutched to his chest a portly boy strolled in, coming for a training report.

~~Training Report~~

Two teams of 4 - one Warden observer each
Opponent based - Overnight, Three day time limit.

Training Objective
Recurits
Locate
Disarm
Capture

Warden
Assess Survival
Assess Tracking
Assess Team
Assess Strategy
Assess Objective

Full Report of Events

Lavinia sat high in the tree above her squads camp, most of the first day had been wasted. They'd argued and searched for her rather than the opposition. Though it wasn't prowess of her own skills that had kept them at bay, rather the lack of their own and a failure to look up. The camp they had made was shabby, poor shelter, few available resources and the perimeter was a joke, as was their surveillance. Even now they bickered, the sun setting as they attempted to start a fire. Accusations hurled at the mage for not having the required skill, neither warrior or rogues having bothered with a kit. Hunger was setting in now with the cold of night, their voices became bitter, resentful and loud as they began routing through each others belongings, blaming one another for holding out on the others. Lavinia rolled her eyes, she did not think they would be scoring well in this task.

"I knew it." The warrior exclaimed, holding up a fist of potions and herbs from the mage's bag. He tossed the bag to the rogues drinking down a potion despite the objection of the mage. Lavinia dropped quietly to the ground as it was announced he carried deathroot extract and various other poison elements. Hallucination would onset fast for the warrior, he would't be able to tell friend from foe. She needed to stop the rogues before they followed suit. But in timing that couldn't have been worse, the second squad emerged from the wilderness. Chaos erupted as everyone went for weapons. Swinging her own staff forward, a sudden flash had every blade set to fire, then just as quickly it was gone.

A second grey warden charged onto the field, having worked with Lavinia before he understood the signal for trouble. His eyes sought out a new enemy, the danger a mere recruit couldn't handle but found nothing. Confused he began eliminating recruits from the challenge, seeking Lavinia, knowing he was missing something, she wasn't one to help the trainees lightly.

The warden mage hurled a simple ball of magic, it hit center mass, full armor and caused no damage. But it served it's purpose, disrupting the Warrior's attack. Moving quickly she inserted herself between the drugged boy and the others continuing the rapid fire low level assault to drive him back. Sensing an attack from behind, Lavinia turned, knocking the rogue's blade from his hand as her fellow Warden "captured" him. But this small distraction was costly and the warrior's sword slashed down hard into her armor. The shock of actual blood had the other recruits halting in their game. A kind of calm moved over the battle now, as the Warden motioned his other wards away from the pair, nodding to Lavinia.

She let the magic steal through her, time seeming to slow for her as bones popped and stretched. The warrior's still stuck sword clattered free as fur erupted across skin, teeth elongated and sharpened. She'd never been able to explain it, like a pain that didn't hurt, as she turned from woman to bear. The great beast had even the crazed warrior retreating a step, but not fast enough. One clawed paw sent him up in the air, crashing down into a tree and then sweet oblivion.

Conclusion of Objective
Early Termination By Warden
Survival - Failed
Tracking - Failed
Teamwork - Failed
Strategy - Failed
Objective - Failed

Recommendation
Train starting from scratch
Need severe one-on-one lessons
May not be worth it

Additional Personal Notes
Next time I set them all on fire and leave...

~~Report End~~

The scribe looked up from his notes, clearing his throat. Her last statement had been made so matter of fact he hadn't even realized what was being said until he'd written it out. A quick study of her impassive face had him second guessing his objections. So with a quick thank you and good bye he shuffled out to file his reports, leaving the warrior to her healing.

Spoiler: LotR-Rider of Rohan 

Name: Enora Daglari
Race: Human (Rohirrim)
Age: 26

Gender: Female
P.o.B: Aldburg, Rohan
Side: Defenders

Class: Warrior
Specialization: Shieldmaiden

Skills:
Defender
The warrior holds ground, becoming remarkably resilient against forceful attacks, taking everything the enemy throws at them and keeping their allies unscathed.
Assault and Battery
What she lacks in raw power Enora makes up for by spinning into a vicious assault that inflicts significant damage and often throws enemies back.
Shield Pummel
Enora's shield is like a second weapon, arcing out, striking foes like a battering ram. The perfect tool at hand for knocking foes around the battlefield.
Rider
As skilled with a blade on the back of a horse as with two feet on the ground.
Spells: N/A

Appearance: Blonde with cloudy grey eyes and well defined muscle, she stands a head shorter then her brethren.

Weapons: Shield and Sword
Armor: Chain-mail under intricate leather and metalwork - Helmet

Equipment: Water flask, whetstone, flint stone, salt, hoof pick.
Runes: N/A

Personality: Enora is well loved by her people, modest, fair-minded, merciful and scrupulously just. She relishes in life its' self, a gentle heart moved by the beauty and good of the world. Honor and stubbornness lead her to the way of the sword. Though this is followed only for it's ability to defend all she holds dear as she treats even those who fall by her blade or brought into capture with the upmost kindness.

Background: For a hundred generations the Daglari have served Rohan as riders and shieldmaidens. From nearly the moment they can hold up their own heads, the Daglari children are taught to ride, mastering this skill before most can walk. Then come swords and shields, the way of the warrior and rider a part of their very essence. The Daglari's stand for honor, peace and loyalty, above all else, fearless in the march against evil.

This generation boasts five Daglari children - Edlis, Ememo, Ernly, Enora, Eteara - all tall blonde warriors like their fathers before them. Enora falling second to last and the only female. But this never stopped her, if anything it made her more determined. She was not satisfied to fall into the role of ordinary shieldmaiden, left home to defend the hearth. If she was going to fight it would be side by side with her brothers on the front lines.

Her father saw this most befitting for one of his line and allowed her what she wished. With the similarities between the siblings and the vast amount of them, no one else was the wiser when she trained with her brothers. By the time any differences became apparent she'd already proven herself a capable rider and valiant shieldmaiden, having won the respect of the men who would form her company.

The first six years of her service were relatively uneventful, with the exception of a young man who tried to woo her away from the life. A daring task to undertake, for now among the ranks she had the added brothers of battle, to judge and accost any suitor. Their efforts would prove unnecessary for Enora repeatedly refused him. She could never be with a man who didn't understand her need to protect, she would never be happy in the role of her mother.

A part of her was relieved when "the Wrong" rose, taking her from her home to war. That was short lived as she witnessed the death of her brethren on the battlefield. For four long years she's stood alongside them as one by one they fall. The company grows weary, the fight seeming to never end, no ground ever gained. Word has spread of elves venturing out in search of aid, and hope has stirred, but it is fleeting and if they do not return soon, Enora feels the war will be lost.

Other: Faruq - 6 year old amber buckskin stallion

Spoiler: Other 

Hoof beats sounded through the meadow, a battle cry, the clashing of metals.

Enora Deglari's shout joined the fray, sat atop a golden steed, she parried an attack on her right, swung her shield up to block the one from the left. Pressure from her leg had the horse bolting forward, escaping the two adversaries. Easing up on her right had him turning about bringing the men back into sight. She parried another attack, then advancing countered with one of her own. Coupling the thrust of her blade with an arc of her shield had the male falling from his mount. Enora lept to follow him down, moving into a roll and back to her feet in one fluid move. She circled, shield raised, blade poised, then with another shout, she lashed forward in a barrage of attacks. Sword, shield, sword, shield, shield again. Her strikes were quick, pushing him back as he struggled to defend, losing his footing and falling again.

Sound had her spinning, shield up to meet the onslaught. The impact shocked her arm but she shifted her stance wider, determined to hold her ground. With a snarl he pushed forward, but Enora would not falter, the two faced one another, shields locked in a stand still. Behind her, the golden steed reared up, once more startling her second oppent to the ground and giving her the advantage she needed, bending at the knee she loosened her pressure on the opposing shield, then slammed her own forward again. Three times she bashed on before the pain had him dropping his guard. With another shift in stance she brought her sword to his throat.

"Yield!" Enora laughed at her elder brother's shout, tossing her blunted practice blade towards the pile of others and slinging her shield back over her shoulder. After helping her youngest brother to his feet for the fourth time, she turned to gather the reins of her mount.

"Are you sure you want such a young mount? Has he even been properly broken?" Edlis questioned, smoothing his hand over the stallion's coat. Enora nodded, mimicking her brother's action as she stared into the creatures eyes. She saw a kindred spirit there, keen intelligence and a wildness she couldn't let the trainers take from him.

"Oh yes brother. Were you not watching? So clever was he, following my lead, trusting my instruction, watching my back. He will make a fine war horse, we will make a good pair. Faruq you shall be, one who can tell right from wrong. And we will survive this fight." She ended on a whisper, the last for the horses ears only, as she cut a lock from his mane to affix to her helmet.

Spoiler: Text Post Format 

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[SikstaSlathalin]

Haha interesting starts Honey.

[Preatonroz]

Spoiler: Theydrop Yllani 

Name: Theydrop Yllani
Race: Elf
Age: 24

Gender(M or F): Male
P.o.B: Denerim Alienage, taken to the Ferelden Circle at the age of 6
Side: Follower of the Warden, or may ally himself with the Elves of Endor

Class: Mage
Specialization: Entropy

Skills(limit of 4):
Poison Making, Coercion

Spells(Mage only, limit of 3):

Spoiler: Spell List 

Weakness: The caster drains a target of energy, inflicting penalties to attack and defense, as well as reducing its movement speed unless it passes a physical resistance check.

Disorient: The caster engages in subtle mental manipulation that disorients the target for a short time, making the target a less effective combatant by inflicting penalties to attack and defense.

Horror: The caster forces a target to cower in fear, unable to move, unless it passes a mental resistance check. Targets already asleep when the spell is cast cannot resist its effect and take massive spirit damage.

Appearance:

Spoiler: Weapons 

Entropy Staff

Spoiler: Armor: Entropy Under Armor and Robes 

Equipment: Theydrop has a poisoners kit: a locked and polished metal box with lyrium etchings to protect from castings meant to open the box. inside are his many distillery ambelics and grinders for herbs. Packed in drawstring hemp bags, Theydrop has several types of preserved herbs, ingredients, and bottled extracts among his components for his poisons. A small supply of ten flasks are in his possession, but holds significant stores of death-root, toxin extracts, and corrupting agents.

Runes: none

Personality: Theydrop is a bit concerning. Though usually docile and even sweet, there is a distinct chill he holds to any who are not allied with him. Common folk usually hate his race and class, and he has faced much hostility because of these traits he has no control over. It would not be a first for Theydrop to mildly poison someone who has discriminated against him, or to play a malicious prank using magic or charismatic manipulations.

Theydrop holds an almost dreamy demeanor, showing off a quiet enthusiasm and simplistic view of entertainment. Often times a struggle or fight, that Theydrop is not taking part in, is simply watched with joy. He has mostly given up on standing up to violence based on race, content to sit and watch the world around him.

Background: Theydrop has been a part of the Ferelden Circle of Magi for almost 18 years. Throughout his time there, the Chantry has been a constant reminder of how broken the system is in reference to both elves and mages. As an Elf, whose people have been discarded to the fringes of society, and a mage, whose breed is considered just as bad as the darkspawn, Theydrop has lived in ridicule and shame for his birth. He has held next to no friends except for a few Tranquil he is fond of, and a few members of the Faculty of the Tower who have helped save him from his own stupidity.

Ever since Theydrop was a child, he disliked the many of the other apprentices and templars. Many would whisper about him, tease him when he first arrived about his ears and sulky nature, even pinch or pull his ears and laugh. Theydrop has learned to be subtle in his acts of revenge: a small amount of bread mold in someone’s wine to cause vomiting, or a dash of rat poison mixed into an apprentice’s perfume for a bad skin reaction.

Mages began to investigate the strange occurrences, for fear of Templar involvement. In the end, a few members of faculty caught Theydrop in the wine cellar raiding the rat traps and extracting the poison. That night he suffered severe beatings, and was threatened with Tranquility by the hands of his Professors.

He carried those bruises and that fear for months, focusing his poisonings to the cellars of the Tower by eradicating the vermin, as per the instruction of the First Enchanter. A job meant for the Tranquil, Theydrop did enjoy the solitude it provided.

In one of the store rooms, a mouse was eating many of the herbal ingredients in an Alchemy pantry. When setting some traps to catch the rat, Theydrop found a basic Alchemy set. He snuck it down to the cellars where he would spend hours practicing with poisons and combustibles. He would sneak to the catacombs and practice with his brews, killing the large spiders that had made nests beneath the tower, and many rats that would nest down there as well.

[bluemoon]

My sheet is done!

I thank Siksta most graciously for all his assistance in helping me to understand this world!

*throws confetti*

[Dnafein]

Looks good to me moony.

Hello Roz.